1. Fat Metabolism in Cystic Fibrosis
Persons with cystic fibrosis generally have malabsorption of fats. This is because they lack the enzyme called lipase which helps fat absorption. This is corrected by giving them this enzyme along with other pancreatic enzymes in a form of supplement so that the fat absorption is improved. In an undiagnosed cystic fibrosis patient, the stool will have a large amount of fat and the person will also loose a lot of fat-soluble vitamins, namely vitamins A, D, E and K. With all the advances in research and new understanding of CF, fat digestion issues are managed well.
2. Need For Supplementation
Even though fat absorption issue has improved with the advances in the pancreatic enzyme supplements, it is recommended that CF patients get fat soluble vitamins in the water soluble form. This is helpful with this population since their health and their nutritional intake can vary tremendously with ongoing infections and variable intakes. Vitamins A, D, E and K are generally absorbed in our body through the medium of fat from our diet. Since this mechanism is faulty in CF patients, water-based vitamins are available so that when taken orally, they do not need the fat from the diet to be absorbed.
3. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
Different age groups have different RDAs for vitamins and minerals. This is established so that most people will get the sufficient amount for their health. When there is an underlying disease process, sometimes the RDAs for certain vitamins and minerals are not enough; in this case, your healthcare team can prescribe more of some vitamins. If the underlying CF is not managed well, you will need additional amounts of Vitamin A, D, E, and K and calcium. How much more will depend upon how well CF is managed.
4. Good Nutrition
To maintain a state of good nutritional status, eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, take pancreatic enzymes with meals and a one-a-day multivitamin. This helps in getting the proper amount of nutrients to maintain a good nutritional health.
5. Health Implications
Why it is so important to keep up the nutritional status in this group? It has been shown through research that keeping up with nutritional status helps CF patients fight all the lung infections they end up having. If CF children do not keep up their nutritional intake, a stunted growth results. The calorie need of all CF patients is high and they need to keep eating regular meals and snacks to gain or preserve their weight. These things are very basic to most of us but are very challenging to CF patients. Taking the prescribed diet plan along with all the additional vitamins and minerals will enable a healthier life.
